Press Release: The City of Los Angeles Declares May 2nd "Fresh Off the Boat Day"

Press Release: The City of Los Angeles Declares May 2nd "Fresh Off the Boat Day"

Posted by Andrew Suh23sc on May 02, 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles City Council declared today, Tuesday, May 2nd as “Fresh Off the Boat Day,” launching Los Angeles’ Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). Joined by LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Council President Herb Wesson, Jr., and Councilmember David Ryu, the cast and producers of ABC’s hit sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat” from 20th Century Fox Television were recognized for their positive portrayal of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) in mainstream media.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 2, 2017

CONTACT:

Estevan Montemayor

213-605-4145

THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES DECLARES MAY 2ND

“FRESH OFF THE BOAT DAY”

Cast and Crew of ABC Sitcom, “Fresh Off the Boat” are Recognized for their Positive Portrayal of Asian Americans in Mainstream Media

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles City Council declared today, Tuesday, May 2nd as “Fresh Off the Boat Day,” launching Los Angeles’ Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM). Joined by LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, City Council President Herb Wesson, Jr., and Councilmember David Ryu, the cast and producers of ABC’s hit sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat” from 20th Century Fox Television were recognized for their positive portrayal of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) in mainstream media.

During the month of May, communities across the US celebrate the vibrant history and many contributions APAs have made in shaping the social, cultural and economic future of the country. For the last three decades, the City of Los Angeles hosted a series of events throughout the month to highlight the significant contributions APAs have made to the City’s past, present and future.

“Los Angeles’ Asian Pacific American community has made extraordinary contributions to our rich history, and plays a central role in shaping our city’s unique identity,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “I’m proud to celebrate the contributions of Angelenos who have given so much to our city, and thank Councilmember David Ryu for making this day possible.

Inspired by chef Eddie Huang’s memoir, “Fresh Off the Boat,” the sitcom portrays the culture shock a 12-year-old boy and his immigrant family experience after moving from DC’s Chinatown to suburban Orlando in pursuit of the American Dream. “Fresh Off the Boat” first made headlines after its February 2015 debut as the first network sitcom on primetime to star an Asian American cast in over 20 years.

“Fresh Off the Boat has been such a hit among Asian American and non-Asian audiences alike,” said Councilmember David Ryu, the first Korean American LA City Councilmember. “A show that can bring together audiences in this way and tell the unique plight of an Asian American immigrant family is a show worth celebrating.”

Executive producers Nahnatchka Khan and Melvin Mar, and cast members Randall Park, Hudson Yang, Forrest Wheeler, Ian Chen, Lucille Soong, and Chelsey Crisp were in attendance to accept the award and represent the cast and crew.

The City of Los Angeles hosted a luncheon sponsored by Panda Express, celebrating the show’s accomplishments, following the City Council presentation.

“Panda Express, home of American Chinese food, congratulates the Fresh off the Boat family on their recognition by the City of Los Angeles during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month,” said Thien Ho, Director of Communications for Panda Restaurant Group. “We are proud to join the City of Los Angeles in celebrating APAHM and recognize the contributions of Americans who have enriched our history and contributed to the strength of our country through hard work, ingenuity and deep sacrifice. We believe these are universal traits that can bring together people from all cultural backgrounds.”

Later in the week on Saturday, May 6 APAHM celebrations will continue as Councilmember Ryu and the City of Los Angeles will host the high-energy music festival, IDENTITY LA at Grand Park. IDENTITY LA will be headlined by DEAN and will feature an evening of live performances by internationally renowned APA artists and entertainers. The family-friendly festival will also include a beer garden, food trucks and more. To learn more about the IDENTITY LA concert, please visit: http://www.laapahm.org/

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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM)

A celebration of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) in the United States. For the last three decades, the City of Los Angeles has held a series of events throughout the month of May to highlight the significant contributions that APAs have made to the city's past, present and future. Visit http://apahm.lacity.org/ for more information.